IPA response on pitch production process

The IPA has today responded on the pitch production process.

12/01/2017

Says Paul Bainsfair, Director General, IPA:

“Further to the news from the US in December regarding the Department of Justice investigation into allegations of bid-rigging by agencies in the production pitch process, the IPA has confirmed to the Advertising Producers Association (APA) that we are unaware of and, of course, do not condone, such practices by any of our members. To the extent that agencies – or members of any other industry sector - engage in unlawful anti-competitive practices such as bid-rigging, they should expect to face the consequences.

“In addition, agencies are entitled to provide in-house production work and should be free to do so. Of course, as we have discussed with the APA previously, any agency considering pitching for a piece of production work itself, should make its intentions known to any third party production companies it has invited to pitch as well. It is only right and proper that those production companies know whether the agency is considering throwing its own hat into the ring. Following these principles should ensure a level playing field so that production companies are informed and clients able to select the best proposal.”